Fintona Charolais Extravaganza
Following on from the success of Balmoral in May right through the season to the final show to Fermanagh in August numerous accolades have been won. The leading breeders of both pedigree and commercial stock have put much effort into preparing animals all year; so the Fintona Show will be a spectacle not to be missed by anyone who is looking for a stock bull or indeed the public who wish to come along and watch the show roll out from the tiered gallery in the Ecclesville Centre.
The Charolais breed has certainly made its mark this year again in the Interbreed sections of many of our shows. Fintona brings breeders together one last time giving them another opportunity to show their stock and win prizes across the championships adding another red rosette to their herd record; in what can only be described as a very successful showing season in Northern Ireland.
The show will be staged in the Ecclesville Equestrian Centre Fintona on Friday 2nd September commencing with a Animax Young Handlers Competition at 4pm followed by the pedigree Charolais showing classes & championships at 5pm and Charolais commercial showing classes and championships immediately afterwards.
Sandra Cochrane chairperson of NI Charolais Club stated that ‘Only the generosity of our sponsors allows us to stage this showcase of prime Charolais cattle’ allowing the club to attract the leading breeders across the province. We are indebted to our sponsors, those who have faithfully supported us over the years and also to the new sponsors who have come on board this year. ‘This is evidence of the confidence that the agriculture and commercial industry have in the Charolais breed at a time when companies are reducing costs’ Sandra commented.
The main sponsors of the event are Omagh District Council and the British Charolais Cattle Society. In addition to facilitating the event in Ecclesville Equestrian Centre Fintona, the Omagh Council contributes generous sponsorship while the British Charolais Society generously sponsor the overall pedigree championships at the event.
Local breeder, Martin Donaghy and Chairman of the British Charolais Society will present the prizes this year, Martin commented “with a record entry of fine Charolais stock for the National Show at Fintona and as chairman of the British Society, I feel proud to have such a prestigious event here at home in Northern Ireland. This show is a product of much hard work of the entire Northern Ireland Charolais Club and shows the dedication of both commercial and pedigree Charolais breeders alike. This promises to be a very important show for the breed”!
Mrs. Fiona Temple will judge the popular Young Handler Section and Mr. Bob Temple will judge the Pedigree & Commercial sections of the show.
This National Show is regarded as an important agricultural event across the rural and agri food sector and easily attracts numerous sponsors who return to support the Charolais Club year on year, the continuing success of the event has attracted new sponsors this year and we want all our sponsors to feel that they are an integral part of this ‘Charolais show’ by promoting all their local businesses as much as possible.
In the pedigree section we are indebted to A N Irwin, Gortin, Draperstown and Lisahally Livestock Marts, Natural Nutrition, Western Farm Enterprises, McClelland’s Livestock Mart, Dungannon Farmers Mart, Balcas Brites, Donnelly Quarries, Teemore Engineering & Parkview Veterinary Clinic. The British Charolais Cattle Society is providing generous financial support for the pedigree championships: senior, intermediate and junior champion and reserve champion of both the male & female classes. Champion & reserve champion of each class will compete in the overall championship to choose the Supreme Female of the show who will receive the Desmond Anderson Trophy and the Supreme Male champion of the Show who will receive the Robert Scott Shield.
In the commercial sections we are indebted to Linden Foods, S & M Products, Bothwell Farm Supplies & McGirr Haulage, for their financial support; with Fane Valley providing generous sponsorship for the overall Commercial Championship & Reserve Champion of the show.
Animax is the sole sponsor of the young handlers section, with two classes for handlers in the under 17yrs and 17yrs to 21yrs age groups.
Our show catalogue is sponsored by Derek Loane Motors Aughnacloy.
In kind sponsorship plays an important role in the staging of this event; we are indebted to PRO Hire Service, JJ Donnelly and JB Plant Hire who all assist in bringing the show together.
The NI Charolais Club wishes to thank all sponsors and supporters for their financial assistance; we are indebted to our judges and stewards who help us in so many ways, and to those members who give time and expertise to stage the show ensuring that it is another successful Charolais event.
Further details from Secretary Ann Orr 028 66 342996.
Catalogues available at the event.